Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey has signed several bills into law aimed at expanding benefits and opportunities for Alabama National Guard personnel, veterans and military families. The legislation, passed during the recent legislative session, focuses on education assistance, workforce development, employment opportunities and support services for military-connected families across the state.
In announcing the legislation, Governor Ivey said the measures reflect Alabama’s continued commitment to supporting those who serve in the military and their families.
“Alabamians are among the most patriotic Americans and their dedication to protect our country and safeguard our freedom continually deserves our praise and support,” Ivey stated. “I was pleased to sign into law this session legislation addressing military education and workforce training benefits and promoting greater employment opportunities for military spouses. These measures and others I have signed further demonstrate our gratitude to our military and their families for their service as well as leveraging their unique skills in growing Alabama’s workforce.”
Among the measures signed into law is House Bill 233, which expands the Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program (ANGEAP). The legislation broadens tuition assistance eligibility to include workforce development training programs in addition to traditional college degree programs. It also aims to improve the timing of education assistance payments to students.
House Bill 307 expands employment opportunities for military families by enhancing hiring and promotion preferences within state government for military spouses. The bill also authorizes local governments and private employers to extend hiring preferences to veterans and spouses of veterans and active-duty military members.
Another measure, House Bill 182, requires the Alabama Department of Public Health to recognize military education, training and experience toward meeting state Emergency Medical Services licensure requirements. Supporters say the law could help veterans transition more quickly into civilian healthcare careers.
House Bill 341 provides a state income tax exemption for Alabama National Guard personnel on the first $5,000 earned through inactive duty training beginning January 1, 2027.
Senate Bill 149 creates a temporary teaching certification pathway for eligible veterans. The legislation allows the Alabama State Department of Education to issue temporary teaching certificates to veterans who may not yet hold a bachelor’s degree, with the goal of helping address teacher shortages while creating new career opportunities for veterans.
Additional legislation signed by the governor includes House Bill 77, which removes barriers for totally disabled veterans applying for home loans by allowing them to obtain tentative property exemption certificates earlier in the mortgage process.
House Bill 155 removes the annual homestead exemption verification requirement for permanently and totally disabled veterans who have already qualified for the exemption.
Senate Bill 158 increases student access to military career pathways by requiring Alabama high schools to provide annual voluntary Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) testing administered by military recruiters.
House Bill 323 updates Alabama’s military awards protocols by clarifying award criteria, expanding recognition opportunities and allowing some awards to be granted retroactively.
Governor Ivey said Alabama’s military personnel, veterans and their families continue to play an important role in the state’s future and workforce development efforts.
